Opdivo (Nivolumab) vs Bavencio (avelumab)

Opdivo (nivolumab) and Bavencio (avelumab) are both immunotherapy drugs classified as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, used to treat various types of cancer by enhancing the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. Nivolumab is approved for a wider range of cancers, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancers, and others, and has a longer track record as it was approved earlier. Avelumab, while also used for certain types of cancer such as Merkel cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma, may be chosen based on specific clinical factors, the patient's type of cancer, and the safety profile of the drug, all of which should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment option.

Difference between Opdivo and Bavencio

Metric	Opdivo (Nivolumab)	Bavencio (Avelumab)
Generic name	Nivolumab	Avelumab
Indications	Various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, and others.	Merkel cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma.
Mechanism of action	PD-1 receptor blocker, preventing the immune system from being downregulated by cancer cells.	PD-L1 inhibitor, helps the immune system to destroy cancer cells.
Brand names	Opdivo	Bavencio
Administrative route	Intravenous infusion	Intravenous infusion
Side effects	Fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, and others.	Fatigue, infusion-related reactions, nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, and others.
Contraindications	Known hypersensitivity to nivolumab or any of its excipients.	Known hypersensitivity to avelumab or any of its components.
Drug class	Immune checkpoint inhibitor	Immune checkpoint inhibitor
Manufacturer	Bristol-Myers Squibb	Merck KGaA and Pfizer

Efficacy

Overview of Opdivo (Nivolumab) in Skin Cancer Treatment

Opdivo (nivolumab) is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including skin cancer. Specifically, it has shown efficacy in treating melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. Nivolumab works by enhancing the immune system's ability to detect and fight cancer cells. In clinical trials, nivolumab has been shown to improve survival rates in patients with advanced melanoma. It has been approved for use as a single agent or in combination with other therapies, such as ipilimumab, depending on the stage and characteristics of the melanoma.

Efficacy of Opdivo (Nivolumab) in Advanced Melanoma

For advanced melanoma, nivolumab has demonstrated significant efficacy in increasing overall survival and progression-free survival compared to other treatments. In a pivotal Phase III trial, nivolumab improved overall survival in previously untreated patients with advanced melanoma without a BRAF mutation. Additionally, the combination of nivolumab with ipilimumab has been shown to be more effective than either agent alone, leading to a greater proportion of patients achieving an objective response and a longer duration of response.

Overview of Bavencio (Avelumab) in Skin Cancer Treatment

Bavencio (avelumab) is another PD-L1 blocking antibody that has been investigated for its efficacy in treating skin cancer, including metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer. Avelumab is the first FDA-approved treatment for metastatic MCC and is indicated for adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older, including those who have not received prior chemotherapy. In clinical trials, avelumab has demonstrated durable responses in a significant proportion of patients with metastatic MCC, with some patients achieving complete responses.

Efficacy of Bavencio (Avelumab) in Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma

The efficacy of avelumab in metastatic MCC was demonstrated in a Phase II, single-arm, open-label trial where patients with metastatic MCC experienced a meaningful reduction in tumor burden. The overall response rate was notable, with many patients maintaining the response for six months or longer. Avelumab has become a standard of care for patients with metastatic MCC, especially for those who have progressed after chemotherapy, providing a new hope for this hard-to-treat skin cancer.

Regulatory Agency Approvals

Opdivo

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Health Canada
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia
Medsafe (NZ)

Bavencio

European Medical Agency (EMA), European Union
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), USA
Health Canada
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Japan
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia

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